Overcoming Regret: My Journey to Resume Playing Violin IX - ​​​Remembering My First Private Teacher

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of regret is to feel sad or sorry about something that you did or did not do.​ In high school, I quit the violin. This blog series is about my journey to resume playing. To read the entire series, please visit www.melaniebates.net/blog.

I am currently working on a solo that I previously learned when I was younger. The page is filled with handwritten notes from my first Private Violin Teacher. As I strive to re-learn the piece, I am reminded of the thoughtful guidance that she so diligently shared. During the course of reflection on my younger days, I was prompted to look up my first Private Violin Teacher. I wanted to see if she remembered me and if so, share the news about my return to the instrument.

I was deeply saddened to learn that my first Private Violin Teacher passed away in August 2020, exactly one month before I resumed playing. This news hit me hard and I pondered what she may have said if we did have the opportunity to connect.

I am driven to continue pushing forward and harness all that I was fortunate enough to gain from her wise tutelage. I hope I am making my first Private Violin Teacher proud.